Emanuel Congregation

10/24/2026

A recent episode of Netflix's The Diplomat includes a touching tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin and his friend Aner Shapira, whose lives were tragically taken following the October 7 attacks.

For Emanuel Congregation, Hersh's story holds a particularly personal connection.

Through Cantor Shelly Drucker Friedman's close friendship with Hersh's family, our congregation came together in prayer, hope, and solidarity throughout his captivity. We held vigils, prayed for his safe return, and kept Hersh and his family in our hearts.

Although the homecoming we prayed for was not to be, we continue to remember Hersh, his family, and all those whose lives were forever changed.

We are grateful to see Hersh and Aner's stories remembered and honored in this unexpected and meaningful way.

May their memories forever be a blessing. 🕯️

World War II anecdote mentions 'Hershel Polin' in apparent reference to slain hostage, includes salute to Aner Shapira, who repelled Hamas grenades

10/22/2026

🎀 Pink Shabbat is Tonight!

Friday, October 23 | 6:30 PM

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this Friday, Emanuel Congregation comes together for a special Pink Shabbat — an evening of community, reflection, awareness, and support.

We are pleased to welcome Leah Jones, Emanuel past president, as our special guest speaker.

Whether breast cancer has touched your life personally, affected someone you love, or inspired you to stand alongside others, we invite you to join us as we honor those whose lives have been affected and recognize the importance of compassion, connection, and hope.

💗 Friday, October 23 at 6:30 PM
📍 Emanuel Congregation

All are welcome. Shabbat Shalom! 💗

10/22/2026

✨🎩 ABRACADABRA SHABBAT! 🪄✨

Shabbat magic is in the air at Emanuel!

Bring the whole family for a spellbinding evening filled with delicious food, laughter, and a little bit of magic!

🪄 Friday, October 30 | 5:30 PM

🍽️ 5:30 PM: Family-friendly kosher-style dinner

🎩 6:00 PM: An interactive comedy magic show with the amazing Julian Alexander!

Little ones will love the enchanting activities, surprising tricks, and plenty of laughs! It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with other young families and make magical Shabbat memories together.

✨ Especially designed for children ages 3–7, but everyone is welcome!

🎟️ $36 per family
📅 Register by October 29!

🔗 Registration link in the comments!

No tricks, just treats, laughter, and Shabbat joy! ✨

Generously supported by the Rose & Sidney N. Shure Kehilla Program.

10/16/2026

🌈 Shabbat Shalom! | Parashat Noach (נֹחַ) 🐾

“Noah was a righteous man; in his generation, he was above reproach: Noah walked with God.” — Genesis 6:9

This week, we read the story of Noah, the ark, and the great flood—a story of resilience, renewal, and our responsibility to care for the living world around us.

As the waters recede, the rainbow becomes a symbol of hope and promise, reminding us of the sacred connections we share with all creation. 🌈

🐶🐱 And what better week to celebrate Pet Shabbat!

Join us this Friday, October 16, at 6:30 PM as we welcome our furry, feathered, fuzzy, and scaly companions into the sanctuary for a special Shabbat blessing. Together, we'll celebrate the joy, comfort, and unconditional love that animals bring into our lives.

An animal-friendly Oneg will follow services!

Shabbat Shalom from all of us at Emanuel Congregation! 💙

10/13/2026

🐾 THIS FRIDAY — PET SHABBAT AT EMANUEL! 🐾

Shabbat is for family… and that includes our furry, feathered, and four-legged family members! 🐶🐱❤️

This Friday, we're celebrating the unconditional love, companionship, and joy our animal friends bring into our lives.

Bring your beloved pets and join us for a special evening of prayer, community, and connection. Whether they greet you with a wagging tail, a gentle purr, or a happy chirp, they're part of what makes life so meaningful!

🗓️ Friday, October 16
🕯️ 6:30 PM
📍 Emanuel Congregation

No pet? No problem! Everyone is welcome to share in the celebration.

Shabbat Shalom — to every member of the family! 🐾

10/12/2026

Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Today, Monday, October 12, the Emanuel Congregation office will be closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

This day invites us to recognize and honor Indigenous peoples, their histories, cultures, and enduring contributions, while reflecting on the histories and injustices that continue to shape our shared present.

May this day be an opportunity for learning, reflection, and a renewed commitment to dignity, justice, and respect for all communities.

Our office will reopen on Tuesday, October 13.

10/11/2026

Study begins this week!
Register for the class here: https://emanuelcong.easyshul.com/events/6a74b7cf362ca50027e98ea6

10/10/2026

🐾 PET SHABBAT AT EMANUEL 🐾

Our pets bring us companionship, comfort, joy, and so much love. This Shabbat, we're making space to celebrate the special place our animal companions hold in our lives and our families.

Join us for a special Pet Shabbat service on Friday, October 16, at 6:30 PM!

Whether your beloved companion has four legs, wings, fins, or paws that have left their mark on your heart, we welcome you to share in an evening of Shabbat, community, and connection.

Bring your beloved animal companions and celebrate Shabbat with us! 🐶🐱🐾

📅 Friday, October 16
🕯️ 6:30 PM CST
📍 Emanuel Congregation

10/09/2026

Shabbat Shalom 🕯️

🌅 B’reish*t | In the Beginning

This week, we begin again. B’reish*t opens the Torah with the creation of the world, beginning with darkness and chaos, and the emergence of light.

Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi invites us to consider what a new beginning can offer us:

“Beginning reading the Torah anew gives us a new opportunity to search for the ‘light’ – the insights – that can emerge from the past and illuminate the present. If we are patient, and learn from these insights we can even begin to illuminate the future – a new dawn for our people that we cannot yet know, but for which we can prepare.”

As we begin the Torah anew, may we find light in what we have learned, wisdom in what we carry forward, and hope in the possibilities still unfolding.

Wishing our Emanuel community a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom. 💙

10/07/2026

Remembering October 7

Today, Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi shares a personal reflection on October 7 — a day of mourning, remembrance, difficult questions, and hope.

“The most Jewish way of dealing with the most difficult of situations involves two core commitments: The first is never to give in to despair, and the second is never to lose each other along the way.”

Read Rabbi Sabath's full reflection on the Emanuel website: https://emanuelcong.org/so/5cQ4MGWOc?languageTag=en&status=Draft&cid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000